This may be a touchy subject but it is something we both feel quite strongly about. The fitness world is bombarded with 'Nutritionists' that do not have any form of qualification to offer people advise on what to eat. On the other end of the spectrum, you have various slimming programmes where people have to pay a fee to step on the scales each week, monitoring whether they have lost, maintained or gained weight. Stepping on the sad step is not only daunting, it becomes addictive. Weight scales are not a true reflection of progress - muscle weighs more than fat to start with. Furthermore, there are some days where you may be carrying a bit more water than others, resulting in a 'gain'.

The likes of Slimming World and Weight Watchers tell their members they can enjoy food but must stick to a routine of counting points/syns, be on a green (carb heavy) day or red (protein heavy) day. This is great for people who need structure but what happens when that support stops? When the plan is no longer being followed with weekly weigh ins? People regress and start putting on the weight, that's what. It's a shame because certain individuals work really hard and follow these diets, often seeing amazing results. The biggest reason behind our progress in recent months has not been 'dieting' but taking a flexible diet approach to life. There is no secret to what we do; we ensure that each meal is a well balanced dinner of protein, carbs and veggies.

The mentality of 'I went out for dinner on Saturday and enjoyed a pudding AND half a bottle of wine...I best restart the diet again on Monday' is ridiculously common. What life is worth living if you cannot enjoy the things you love in moderation without feeling guilty? Next time you think in that mindset, ask youself this question: How often do I actually do this?

Only too often we get asked 'do you have a cheat meal?' and 'is your diet always so healthy?' The answer is simple to both....no. We eat a very well balanced diet and incorporate treats as and when we fancy something sweet. With Sam being a chocoholic and Ally loving ice cream as much as she does, telling our bodies 'no' would result in a binge (which we of course want to avoid!)

Remember, life is too short to 'diet' and become bored of food. Enjoy the food you love in moderation, exercise regularly and tell the people in your life that you love them.